What Will Voynov's Trial Look Like?

Last Monday, Los Angeles Kings defensemen Slava Voynov plead Not Guilty to one count of Felony Domestic Assault at his morning re-arraignment.

It’s the third time Voynov’s pleaded Not Guilty.

Voynov has been charged with one count of Felony Assault for corporal injury to a spouse with great bodily injury involving an incident from October 20th, 2014.

Voynov’s next court appearance is a pre-trial hearing set for January 28th, 2015. A jury trial is currently scheduled for March 2nd.

Puck Daddy’s Josh Cooper and Rich Hammond of the Orange County Register pointed out that Voynov has broken the record for the longest suspension in NHL history. With the exception of Boston Bruins Billy Coutu, who was banned for life.

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Voynov has missed 34 games since his suspension on October 20th.

It’s become a farce. It’s a hard situation for the Kings. L.A. has to put the best product possible on the ice, and Voynov is a good hockey player. The Kings also want to exhibit discretion, respecting and acknowledging the sensitivities of their fans. The Kings can’t have people represent the team if the individual doesn’t live up to the team standards.

Meanwhile, Voynov could be facing a maximum prison sentence of four years. That’s if deportation isn’t in the discussion. Multiple hearings have been scheduled and it doesn’t seem like there’s an end in sight.

Clearly the situation has escalated to the point of national news. The eyes of the nation will be on the trial, and the reactions of the NHL and Los Angeles Kings.

It’s not an O.J. Simpson, or Casey Anthony trial. However, it’s going to have a bigger lens than the Ray Rice case for a multitude of reasons.

Nov 5, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Suspended NFL running back Ray Rice (left) arrives with his wife, Janay Rice for his appeal hearing on his indefinite suspension from the NFL. At left is Rice

First, Ray Rice’s case of domestic abuse sparked national attention to domestic violence. Voynov’s case will garner more attention because there’s more eyes diligently looking out for this topic. It’s the most recent American tragedy for the public to scrutinize.

Second, Ray Rice’s case was ruled on by the NFL. Rice settled out of court after one hearing. Similar to Voynov’s case, Rice’s wife did not want to press charges, as TMZ will attest. However, Voynov’s case is being tried in California. Rice’s case was in Atlantic City, New Jersey, as his incident occurred at AC’s Revel Casino.

For both athletes it was a first time offense. Again, because of the difference in state law the charges are different. Voynov is facing one count of Felony injury to a spouse with great bodily injury. Rice faced Felony third-degree aggravated assault.

Rice was able to join a pre-trial intervention program that served as part of his sentence. Rice settled for one year of probation and his participation in the intervention program.

What Will Voynov’s Trial Look Like?

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